The Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, Mines and Steel Development has decried the low budgetary allocation to the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development.

Speaking during the 2022 Budget Defense session Monday, the chairman of the Senate Committee, Tanko Al-Makura and other Committee members called for increased funding of the Ministry due to its huge potential in diversifying the Nigerian economy.

Earlier, the Minister of State for Mining and Steel Development, Uchechukwu Ogah, told the Committee that the Ministry’s 2022 budgetary allocation is N24 billion of which N11 billion is for Capital.

Ogah however, pointed out that inadequate fund is one of the major challenges facing the sector.

The committee, however, asked the Minister to make available all relevant documents or information that would enable it make informed decisions on the review of budgetary allocation for the sector.